Though forced to scamper for shelter at times due to sudden torrential rain, those attending the 17th annual Cayman Brac Agriculture Show Saturday celebrated the return of the long-awaited event.
There were no damp spirits at the popular grounds on Songbird Drive as visitors and Brac residents alike enjoyed the show, which returned after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Call to support local farmers
Chevala Burke, chairperson of the Cayman Brac Agriculture Show committee, welcomed the crowds and called on them to continue to support the farmers and local artisans offering their goods for sale.
The show, which also doubled as a final farewell Sister Islands event for outgoing Governor Martyn Roper, was attended by both Government and Opposition officials.
Education Minister and Cayman Brac East MP Juliana O’Connor-Connolly welcomed the rain as a blessing for the farmers and their plants.
She encouraged those in attendance to start their own backyard gardens as a means to ensure food sustainability.
She lauded those on the Brac already growing produce at their homes, saying that it was important to “plant what you eat and eat what you plant.”
She said the government has adopted a national food policy, through which it promotes backyard farming.
Her message to farmers was to “never stop trying” when it comes to planting, even if it means starting over if crops are impacted by storms or just do not grow because of the time of the year.
“Always remember agriculture (is like) some of us in life, some of us plant, some of us water, some of us fertilize. And sometimes you may not harvest. But if you do it with a good heart, there will always be beneficiaries,” said O’Connor-Connolly.
The event, which saw many residents from Grand Cayman make the trek over to the bigger of the two Sister Islands, featured live entertainment, booths by local businesses and government agencies, as well as a healthy number of options when it came to food vendors.
Though there were some logistical challenges with Cayman Airways flights Friday night due to the foul weather and on Saturday morning, the show did see a sizeable crowd in attendance.
Premier Wayne Panton lauded the organisers and those who came out to support the event. He said it was his first time attending the show and he was pleased with what he saw.
He urged those huddled under tents during the downpour that be thankful for the rains as there has been some dry weather.
Panton said Cayman Brac, based on what he saw at the show, can “lead the way” when it comes to demonstrating what food security is about.
Acting Agriculture Minister Dwayne Seymour said he was impressed with the grounds and the variety of products on display.
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart also addressed the event and lauded the turnout.
Governor Martyn Roper, who was celebrated at the event – his last official engagement on the Sister Islands before his departure next week – thanked the community for their affection and support they gave to him and his wife Lissie over the last four and a half years.
“The love and friendship over the years has been astounding to us,” Roper said, adding that he was pleased to see UK Cayman relationship was strong on Cayman Brac.
As he ended his brief remarks, the governor declared, “Roper over and out.”
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